If you enjoy strolling around your garden, looking at tall, impressive trees that provide shade and beauty to your property, it is also important to consider the same trees can wreak havoc beneath the surface by their roots penetrating into your plumbing system leading to damaged and blocked drains. For many homeowners in the Adelaide area, this is an all-too-real scenario. At Horncastle Plumbing, we have seen it all and are aware of the hidden dangers of tree roots within drains. We would like to help you understand it better in order to deal with it effectively.

Understanding the Intrusion: Why Tree Roots Invade Drains

Trees are nature’s water seekers. Their roots can travel as far as they need to in search of moisture, especially if it has been dry. This means your plumbing system, and specifically your older pipes or those that are cracked, become an inviting place for tree roots seeking water. The slightest cracks or loose joints in pipes seep moisture, which the tree roots can detect. Once they get access, these roots grow really fast on the nutrient-rich wastewater and eventually form blockages that can cause severe damage.

Warning Signs: How to Identify Root Intrusion in Your Drains

Detecting root intrusion early enough will save you much hassle and cost. Following are some of the signs to look out for:

Water Drains Very Slowly: If your sink, tub, or toilet is draining slowly, this could result from blockages caused by roots.
Frequent Clogs: If clogs are happening frequently, especially if they happen at more than one fixture, they can be a sign that you have a severe blockage in your main sewer line.
Gurgling Sounds: Any kind of unusual sound from drains might indicate that the air is getting trapped behind a blockage making drains gurgle.
Greener Patches of Your Lawn: If the misaligned portions of grass in your yard become greener than other areas significantly, then it could be a sign of a pipe leak fed through root intrusion.

Prevention: How to Keep Roots at Bay

Prevention of root intrusion actually starts with choosing the right trees to have in your garden. Species that are fast-growing or otherwise known to have water-seeking root systems should be kept away from your sewer lines. Here are other ways to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place:

Root Barriers: These are physical barriers installed around the pipes that keep the roots at bay.
Inspect: Regular inspections of your plumbing system will let you know of any potential problems before they become major ones.
Replace: Seriously, think about replacing old pipes or those made of clay or cast iron with modern, root-resistant materials.

What to Do If You Already Have a Root Intrusion Problem?

If you’re already having problems due to root intrusion, don’t panic. There are many effective ways to handle the problem:

Mechanical Removal: This is a process whereby the roots are cut and the pipe cleared using a rooter machine, making sure your pipes are as good as new.
Hydro Jetting: A high-pressure water jet can clear roots and other debris from pipes, giving them an excellent clean and allowing water to flow freely.

In the worst cases of damage, relining or replacing pipes can be needed to reach a solution that will be effective in the long term.

Why Professional Help Matters?

While some DIY solutions may sound inviting, dealing with root intrusion is best left to professionals. You don’t have to worry about your drains anymore as Horncastle Plumbing is your local blocked drain repairs plumbing service. We are Adelaide blocked drain experts and come equipped with the right tools, experience, and knowledge to efficiently and safely handle root-related drain and sewer issues. Our highly trained plumbers can accurately assess the extent of the tree root intrusion, recommend the best course of action, and put in place a solution that protects your plumbing and property. Your plumbing system is in good hands!

Contact The Blocked Drain Repairs Adelaide Experts Today!

While the trees in your yard make the landscape look appealing, they can really cause a serious problem when they penetrate your plumbing system. Recognising the risks involved and taking preventive measures can save your house from costly drain damage. If you face blocked drains, Horncastle Plumbing is always there to help with its professional and trustworthy service. Contact us today for an inspection or consultation. We can help you keep those drains clear and flowing!

For hassle-free plumbing solutions and expert tips stay tuned for our blog coming next month!